From the wood pile to a useful woodturning tool, I got a handle on this. Creating my first tool for woodturning, I used a waste Walnut log to turn a handle for my 3/8" drill bit for hollowing. 

Finish is Hampshire Sheen from St Louis.

Silver Maple turned from a simple block into a beautiful tool Mallet. 

I wanted to use an easy-to-apply finish on this ornament because I was pressed for time, so I just used mineral oil. The mineral oil gives the wood a smooth feel, but it should be easy to reapply every year.

I was really happy with how this vase turned out. I made sure it was a spindle blank so that it would be easier to hollow out. I sanded it to 1000 grit to make it really smooth and then I applied mineral oil. I sanded with 1000 grit again after the oil was applied to knock down any grain raising.